Melbourne five-eighth Brett Finch intends celebrating his 250th NRL match the same way he celebrated his first - with a few beers.

Against North Queensland at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon, Finch will join an elite club, with just 66 members from almost 9000 first grade players, by reaching the milestone.

The exclusive list includes former Storm players Robbie Kearns, Steve Kearney, Brett Kimmorley, Matt Geyer and Glenn Lazarus.

It's taken 12 years and included four clubs, two grand final losses and one win (albeit stripped by the NRL for salary cap breaches), and three NSW Origin caps.

Throughout it all Finch hasn't lost his laid-back, laddish approach or his sense of humour.

"I'll probably do the same special thing I've done after every game and that's to have a few beers," said Finch when asked how he would mark the occasion.

"You're certainly happy to just play one game when you're a kid, so to get to 250 is something I'm pretty proud of."

Finch is also hoping to celebrate the milestone with a win against the Cowboys, after the Storm's disappointing loss to the Sydney Roosters on Monday night.

Queensland Origin hero Greg Inglis is rated only a 50:50 chance of playing after suffering a corked thigh.

The Cowboys will be missing NSW forward Luke O'Donnell through suspension, but their other representative players including Johnathan Thurston, are expected to play.

"We've got stuck back into training and there's plenty of enthusiasm there and we'll get the boys back from Origin which is a big plus for us," Finch said.

"The young guys did a great job against Canterbury, we struggled a bit the other night but that's going to happen with any young team."

Finch, 28, admits due to the salary cap breach he's unlikely to play with Melbourne beyond this season, with a stint in England his preference.

He was still open to extending his NRL career with another club or even a switch to rugby union, and hoped to have his future settled within a month.

"I don't have many qualifications to do anything else," he said.

"I don't really fancy going to another NRL club at this stage, I've had such a good time here in Melbourne but there's still a possibility I could be in the NRL next year."

Finch rated the friendships he made as his greatest achievements alongside his on-field honours, and said he didn't have any regrets.

"In terms of the journey I wouldn't change anything, it's made me the person I am today and I've had plenty of good times along the way as well."

The match is also a celebration for skipper Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, who both turned 27 on the eve of the game.

"Yeah, they were born on the same day, although Bill looks 21 and Smithy looks 41," Finch quipped.

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